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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel the need to dress up on Christmas Day…

52 replies

Blueberrypeapod · 12/12/2022 12:59

…irrespective of who is visiting. Some Christmas Days it’s just the immediate family, but I still feel I have to dress up. By dress up I mean in a nice dress or something. I have no idea where it comes from, I grew up in a very big ramshackle family and there are no external pressures. No one would care if I stayed in pjs or a onesie.

Anyone else feel the need?

OP posts:
SirenSays · 12/12/2022 13:43

When I'm travelling I don't bother. In fact I've spent a fair few Christmas days in just a bikini and santa hat. But when I'm home I like to wear a new dress and make an effort to look my best.

Crunchymum · 12/12/2022 13:44

I wouldn't dress up per se but I wouldn't have guests whilst in my PJ's.

Knockagain · 12/12/2022 13:47

My DM always dressed up and us kids had new clothes too - I don’t bother now, jeans and a jumper, unless of course I was going out

PinkParfait · 12/12/2022 13:48

YANBU
I love to get dressed up on Christmas day. Makes it feel much more than just another day IYSWIM.

ShippingNews · 12/12/2022 13:52

I always buy a new outfit for Christmas, usually something re and/ or green. And some funny antlers on my head. Tis the season c!

VestaTilley · 12/12/2022 14:03

Yes I always do - I like to. It gives the day more of a sense of ceremony and importance. I could never just stay in pyjamas all day! We go to church anyway so I need to dress!

StickofVeg · 12/12/2022 14:27

No, I wear my usual jeans and a t shirt with a jumper.

mondaytosunday · 12/12/2022 14:48

Usually yes, it seems odd to go to all the trouble of decorating and making a lovely meal to then just eat it in a onesie! But this year I'm thinking, as it's just me and my two kids, that we might go low key.

TheLittlestLightOnTheXmasTree · 12/12/2022 14:48

I'll be dressed up in my work uniform!! That's as good as it gets!

BusySittingDown · 12/12/2022 15:06

I think it's nice to dress up sometimes. It's a day that you want to feel like it's not just another day, if that makes sense.

When I was little we always got dressed up. My mum always bought me a new outfit (sometimes I felt a bit under pressure because she'd take me shopping and we wouldn't leave until we found something for Christmas Day and sometimes I didn't really want anything). We always used to have a big Christmas with about 10 of us on Christmas Day.

Nowadays it's either me, DH and our girls or us and DH's family. They don't dress up so I just wear something presentable but comfy.

It's just us this year so I did think about having a lovely bath and putting brand new PJs on. Although we'll probably go for a walk at some point so would need to get dressed!

Blossomtoes · 12/12/2022 15:06

I wear dressed up casual. Last year it was a sequinned jumper and velvet joggers.

coffeepleeease · 12/12/2022 15:10

Nope I just make sure I have a Christmas t shirt. Wear it with jeggings, and Christmas socks

HollyBollyBooBoo · 12/12/2022 15:13

We always wear something nice for about 4 hours and then back into comfies!

FaoinDrualus · 12/12/2022 15:16

Usually just some Christmas-themed zogabongs.
Maybe a christmassy t-shirt or jumper.

Original poster
Blueberrypeapod · 12/12/2022 15:18

Thank you, a real mix of opinions. We’re a family of real scruff bags and I must look a bit strange on photos with my posh frock on (don’t do the heels though).
Im already trying to decide what to wear, as not only do I feel this compulsion to dress up but it normally has to be predominantly red. Perhaps I’m secretly Mrs Claus 🤶

OP posts:
Original poster
Blueberrypeapod · 12/12/2022 15:19

DillDanding · 12/12/2022 13:28

I do - it's a very special day, so why not?

I don't do any of the cooking or prep though, I just swan around.

Same here. I do love a swan.

OP posts:
oviraptor21 · 12/12/2022 15:29

I like looking nice so there's no question that i will be dressed up for Christmas Day

Angelicapickles1 · 12/12/2022 15:36

Yep always dress up usually a velvet or sequin skirt with a cosy jumper

BringBackFoilWrappers · 12/12/2022 15:43

I like to stay in comfy lounge wear myself.

jtaeapa · 12/12/2022 15:48

I want to be comfortable so would not consider dressing up unless someone really wanted me to.

LT2 · 12/12/2022 15:50

Yes, have always dressed in something nice or new. Only today did I buy a blouse and said to my mum that it'd be a good one for Christmas day!

MamaidhMathMath · 12/12/2022 15:52

Xmas has always been a dress up day in my family, because there's usually about 16 of us getting together and it inevitably becomes a party
Ultimately it should be about wearing what makes you happy, whether that's a posh frock, new pyjamas or walking boots and a silly hat.

ilovesooty · 12/12/2022 15:56

I'll have to get dressed as I've been invited to a friend's but I think she'd find it strange if I turned up in anything but jeans and a jumper or sweatshirt.

ditherydotty · 12/12/2022 16:12

No unless I'm going out or round to someone's I wear normal clothes, I'm not keen on all the glitter and sequins clothes at Christmas. I hate being in sleepwear unless I'm actually in bed too. So soon as I'm up I'm dressed even in Christmas morning.

MissDollyMix · 12/12/2022 16:16

Dressing up for christmas was a big thing in my family when I was growing up. The men would all sit down for dinner in djs and bow ties. For me it makes the day special. I love to buy something special to wear for myself and the DC. Each to their own of course. I can understand that some people really enjoy the informality of a day spent chilling out in comfies. DH's family are very much the opposite to my family and MIL has made it clear she doesn't want anybody to dress up so I don't but I always feel a bit sad about it when we spend Christmas at their house.